02-22-2021, 12:27 PM
(02-22-2021, 11:14 AM)ochocincos Wrote: While Hobson works for the Bengals, he seems to more to speculate about things and using previous history in his statements. I don't think he's really giving indication to what the Bengals will do, just what he thinks will happen.
It is kind of surprising he thinks the DL is in worse shape than the OL. I would have expected him to more spout off something like the DL will be fine if Lawson is re-signed because they'll have a "healthy" Reader and Atkins back. And then getting a mid-round draft pick (or two) for the DL to rotate with their starters. This could imply the Bengals are 1) expecting to move on from Atkins, and 2) possibly not re-signing Lawson. If so, those are two very big holes to fill.
Hobson seems to indicate (based on previous team approach I assume) that the best strategy for OL is to fill the OGs with draft pick and/or cheaper FA and then pushing more money toward OT. Given they already have Jonah Williams, I get the impression he's referring to a Bobby Hart replacement if they do spend big on OL in FA. Hobson also states the 1st or 2nd round could be a possibility for a new OT.
Last, I really don't like the continued push that Frank Pollack is going to turn water into wine just by introducing a new scheme and better coaching. That's too much of a gamble, and I don't think the Bengals use that as an excuse not to get at least ONE new OL in FA and/or early in the draft.
I could make an argument playing devil's advocate that the defensive line has been as bad as the offensive line for a while. The issue is the optics that not addressing the OL has with the franchise QB behind it. In reality, we will not win with the DL as currently constructed as we can't keep linebackers clean at the second level and can't generate a pass rush. Obviously, it would be tough to fix both in a single offseason so I can see the value of settling on attacking the OL now, but it still comes with the understanding that the defense will be one of the worst in the league most likely without significant investment on the DL.
The issue really is that at OG you are looking at Thuney or bust as it sounds like Scherff is getting the tag again potentially. With that understanding, it is going to put a massive demand on Thuney which could make a bidding war we just are positioned to win. I think Matt Feiler is a really interesting option that has Guard/Tackle flexibility and should run somewhere in the 7 Million per year range give or take a million. If you could add him and Daryl Williams you would potentially be in a place where you can look for value but don't need to completely pass on taking a nice OL prospect that drops. If none fall in your lap you can go to the DL and stock up there and know your line is definitely improved still.
